BCC Briefs

At the February 5, 2008 Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board took the following action:

Pet sterilization – approved an ordinance encouraging sterilization of cats and dogs in Palm Beach County. Beginning April 1, all dog and cat owners must have their pets spayed or neutered or pay $75 for an “unaltered” tag and sign an affidavit promising not to breed their animals. (Show dogs and guide/service animals are exempt.) Breeders must obtain a permit (no charge if acquired within 90 days, $150 thereafter), would be limited to two litters of puppies and/or kittens per year, and must provide names, addresses and phone numbers of buyers.

Traffic cameras – directed staff to prepare an ordinance for first reading on March 11 allowing for the installation of traffic cameras on County roads to deter red-light running, should the state fail to adopt such a measure during the upcoming legislative session.

Economic Development – approved a job growth incentive grant agreement in the amount of $40,000 with Claudia Anderson d/b/a Audio Enhancement. The communications and science technology company is establishing a new regional headquarters in PBC, creating 50 new jobs at an average annual salary of $65,000.

SHIP – adopted criteria for the purchase assistance program of the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP). State funds are allocated to PBC to facilitate development and preservation of workforce housing. This program provides funding for first-time home buyers in households classified as very-low income ($32,200); low income ($51,500) and moderate income ($77,280).

Children’s Home Society – approved an application by the Children’s Home Society of Florida for the issuance of up to $17.5 million in variable rate revenue bonds to finance, refinance, construct and improve facilities. No County funds are involved.

Housing Finance Authority – adopted a resolution approving the sale of revenue bonds not to exceed $12 million to implement the Housing Finance Authority’s Single-Family Homeowner Revenue Bond Program, which provides qualified affordable mortgage financing for owner-occupied single-family homes. No County funds are involved.

Legislative Affairs – approved an initial list of federal legislative appropriation priorities and funding requests for FY 2009, including $7.5 million for the Lake Region Water Treatment Plant and $10 million for mass transit.

Fire-Rescue – approved a $2.2 million contract with West Construction Inc. to renovate County Fire Station 73 in Belle Glade, which has been out of service since sustaining hurricane damage in 2004 and 2005.

Airports – agreed to name the airfield at Palm Beach County Park Airport in Lantana in honor of Owen H. Gassaway Jr., who passed away in December.